Driver kills cyclist and gets slap on the wrist

[Alek]

Cyclist killer sentenced to 6 months - PROBATION - ! (http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2006/11/30/woman_is_sentenced_for_bicyclists_death)

I didn't know this, but from what I read it is customary in the US not to convict drivers who kill cyclists. I guess we deserve to die for our reckless conceit in depriving the SUVs of their god-given terrorist-free safety zone around them. LAME! This judge is a moron and it is retarded that talking on the phone while driving is legal but eating a cherry-liquor chocolate is a crime. :cussing:

[Spats]

In this case, you can blame the state's attorney for Champaign County, who decided not to charge Jennifer Stark with reckless homicide. The judge wanted desperately to give a harsher sentence, but the attorney only charged Ms. Stark with unsafe lane change.

Here is the state attorney's contact information. I recommend we all call, email, and write letters expressing our outrage. It's open season on cyclists!

Julia Rietz
State's Attorney, Champaign County
101 E. Main St.
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-3733
statesatty@co.champaign.il.us

The USA has a serious issue with cars: killing someone with your car is treated as a much less serious crime than killing them in any other way. There are special laws that make it less serious. Result: open season on bicycles and pedestrians.

[yentna]

Public Defender:
pd@co.champaign.il.us

County Board:
countyboard@co.champaign.il.us

Email sent. Good fuckin' grief.